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What seems to be very obviously nefarious to you might not be obvious to someone else. That’s exactly the question that internet users have been tackling on the r/AskReddit subreddit. User u/Aurallius asked people to open up about what they personally believe to be scams that “everyone else accepts otherwise,” and they were glad to deliver.

The thread quickly went viral, getting over 36.6k upvotes and a whopping 27.3k comments: everyone was fired up to share their opinions and discuss each other’s views. From shopping channels to credit repair companies and more, you’ll find all things that some people think are secretly scams below.

Some of the things mentioned in this list are likely real-life scams. Of course, you might not agree with all of these conclusions, dear Pandas, but that’s part of the point—the grey area in which these things exist. Let us know what you think about these redditors’ opinions in the comments and if you agree with them or not and why.

The author of the thread, redditor Aurallius, gave Bored Panda some insights about the inspiration behind their question and what people should do to avoid scams. Aurallius is a design student at the School of Visual Arts in New York. They're an illustrator "working to make a living from art." You'll find their comments below.

#1

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams All of insurance as it is currently sold.

Example: I have full coverage car insurance. I pay $X/month to have that coverage.

Then I use it. Then they charge more.

Which means that my rate before my accident wasn't really the price of coverage; the new, higher rate is. I was paying a subscription fee to have coverage at a higher rate once I needed it.

Same for health insurance. I have to pay a deductible, meaning, I am not covered until I've paid it. "You are covered, but actually not until you've paid out of pocket a certain amount. Also, we will only cover a certain percentage of costs." Which means I'm actually not covered entirely. It's not actually insurance.

Here's how insurance is supposed to work: I pay you $X/month and you pool that money with everyone else paying that to you. When I have a problem you have the pooled resources to cover it for me. I'm still paying more over time probably than the cost of that event, but you're there to take on that cost for me for the price of my premiums. That's not what's happening anymore.

KineticBombardment99 , Andrea Piacquadio Report

#2

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams I'm probably going to be blasted for it, but the wedding industry seems to be scamming people for love.

You don't need a $35,000 party to marry someone, just get a priest and some friends for like $3k and save that money for your relationship.

Weddings used to be paid by parents or grandparents of the couple, but times have changed and more people are paying out of their own pocket for a celebration that doesn't really need to be extravagant.

Kuldrtorix , Álvaro CvG Report

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Kevin Erdős–Bacon
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Get a priest and some friends for $3k"? That sounds like people trafficking, but sure, I'll buy a priest 😂

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#3

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams The funeral industry. Poor families get robbed of so much money just to put on a "respectful" funeral, and because they're grieving, it's seriously kicking them while they're down. You don't need to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to have grandma embalmed, made-up with corpse makeup, put in a casket worth an arm and a leg, and lowered into a hole filled with roses, to be topped with an ornate expensive headstone. I wish natural burials were more mainstream, where the body is put in its favorite outfit, wrapped in a biodegradable sheet, and placed in a mound of dirt to be absorbed by the earth. Big funeral companies are benefiting off of people's grief and it's disgusting.

bourbon_legends , Rhodi Lopez Report

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Chich
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cremation. Fought fire for years, I'll let it get me at the end :)

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Aurallius, the author of the thread, told Bored Panda that they're often subjected to various ads. The "variety of products and services that are advertised on a regular basis" made the redditor come up with the question in the first place. However, that wasn't the only reason.

"I also wanted to make a popular post," they opened up to Bored Panda that they were aiming for some popularity online as well.

There are various ways how people react to being scammed. Some choose to waste the scammers' time. Others immediately call the authorities. While others choose to ignore the scammers entirely. Aurallius told Bored Panda that, in their opinion, it's best to "immediately report the scam" so as to help protect others in the future.

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#4

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams So-called "body cleanses", whether it be juice, herbal pills or something else.

I want to smack anyone who says they need to go on a cleanse. What the hell do you think your liver and kidneys are doing? you wanna cleanse? drink some water and let the giblets do their work, dingus!

MysteryGirlWhite , pxfuel Report

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Dynein
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is an even weirder belief which says that the gut gets lined with dried up s**t over time and therefore needs to be rinsed out at intervals. I mean, strictly speaking the gut IS a sort of pipe, but a) it can't dry out inside, b) the walls are too soft and move too much to maintain a dry lining, c) the contents don't trickle, they are pushed through, rubbing against the walls so how is a stable layer of grime ever supposed to build up? d) the gut cells are constantly renewed with the old and dying gut cells being expelled into the gut interior. People have the weirdest beliefs about bodies.

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#5

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Unpaid internships.

If you look at the actual laws, internships are supposed to be primarily focused on education. If the intern is doing work that is providing value to the company, they are supposed to be paid.

It's just never enforced.

okfine321 , Karolina Grabowska Report

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Kevin Erdős–Bacon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the biggest scam, and really should be cracked down on - I hope this one makes it to number 1. Reminds me of the stingy influencers who want you to work for free for exposure/experience, except it involves the biggest, most profitable companies

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#6

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Buying T-shirts with the company's logo on them.

You pay them a ridiculous price to advertise them.

theBrD1 , piqsels Report

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Kevin Erdős–Bacon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well that's the whole point of conspicuous consumption - you're also advertising yourself, as being able to afford it (even though it's probably a knock-off). Still ridiculous though, I'd rather advertise to the world something I genuinely enjoy, like a band or icecream 😁

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I wanted to get Aurallius' opinion about what people can do to make sure that they don't fall for scams. In the redditor's opinion, education, patience, and awareness are key. "People should think critically and do extensive research on the stuff they use or consume," they pointed out that we should all be willing to put in the time to do some research to protect ourselves and our wallets.

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The redditor also shared that credit repair companies are an example of a scam that they've had some experience with.

Scams, hustles, cons—whatever you call them, they’re as old as human history itself. Fighting against scams and con artists is a never-ending battle because a person’s biggest defenses are education and awareness.

#7

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams I’m not a nutritionist but having comfort food be cheaper than fruits and vegetables is just plain wrong.

firey_piranha , undefined ready made Report

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Lovin' Life
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Totally agree. You are preach into the ground about eating healthy but when its time for meal prep and grocery shopping, you can feed a family for $20 with unhealthy foods or $60 for better choices. Many families have to take what is affordable for their situation. How can fresh fruit cost more than a loaf of bread that has a process to produce it for sale? Makes no sense at all.

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#8

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Organized religion.

The mormon church asks their members to give them 10% of their money. F***ing 10% even if you're a little old lady living on a very fixed income or an 8 year old kid mowing lawns.

If you don't pay, you're not worthy enough to go to their temples. If that's not a scam, I don't know what is.

e8az , James Coleman Report

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Rita Porkoláb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And filthy rich pastors. The religion, where your pastor is richie rich and greedy is a scam.

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Archer Harris
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same with Joel Osteen. He is super rich and it’s all because he scams people. He doesn’t even preach from the Bible. He only talks about being happy and “live your best life now”. You literally will have your best life in heaven, not on earth.

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Two_rolling_black_eyes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its not the religion that's the problem. Its the people who misuse it to perpetrate abhorrent acts. There are horrible people in this world who twist and desecrate the best parts of humanity to excuse inhuman behavior. There are millions of christians, muslims, hindus and other faiths who have made the world a better place because of their faith whose efforts seem meaningless after a small sect of their religion purposely ignore the goodness behind it to main, kill, steal, and rape. One just has to look at racism, nationalism, and capitalism to see other despicable people using something we invented for good used to destroy. We need to stop evil wherever its found but its hard when the institutions protect them. It can be done though. As a minister MLK believed in the same god as the men who twisted "love one another" to excuse hanging non-violent protesters. His demonstration of the true meaning of faith and love was able to shatter evil institutions misusing the name of his god

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Kimberly Cline
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Preach! I have been on a soapbox about this all day today for some reason lol. It's so awful how these people misuse something that at its roots is about love. Most religion, when it comes down to it, is all about love. Love Your Higher Power, Love others, Love yourself. Then they take things out of context and focus on small parts instead of the whole to use it to further their own agendas. It's sickening and turns people against religion as a whole instead of these people that misuse it.

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Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While I have plenty of issues with the Mormon church, they do not in fact ask people who are struggling financially to pay a tithe. They encourage you to do it as they believe it brings many blessings to the donor, but the elderly living on a fixed pension, or out of work people on benefits are categorically not obligated to tithe.

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Dave P
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not all organized religions are the same, you use one group and then attack all. You can say certain types of organized religion, but not all.

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Ian Bartels
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a member of the church, and one that has paid tithing for years even while I was in school and my wife and I had very little money, we have always been taken care of financially. The church uses that money to help other members of the church, and to help people whole experience natural disasters. The church spends millions of dollars to send food and supplies to people all around the world. Paying tithes and offerings is a holy commandment from our Heavenly Father. He has given us everything we have, and only asks that we return 10% to Him.

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Casey Mineer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, the Church of Jesus Christ does not pay their clergy. They are all voluntary and not benefiting at all financially. The leadership of the entire Church are provided for but are not rich in terms of finance's. When we can we pay a tithe. When we can't, we don't have to nor are we obligated to be a part of any of the blessings, including the temples of the Church.

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Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Orel Roberts in the 1980s: "If you don't send in X million, God will call m ehome." ----- I'd have paid to have him "called home"

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Let’s Be Kind
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you go to a church that truly chooses to follow The Bible, you won’t see rich pastors or be forced into giving your money out of guilt or fear. Tithe, just like charity, should be private, and genuinely from the heart.

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RandomBeing
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's generally how I've seen it work in the church and whats encouraged.

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Carman Davis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is called tithing. In the Bible God said to give 10% for upkeep, pastor salary, etc... if you are a believer in God and you give your 10% first before anything else, you will have enough to see yourself through. It's called faith and faith in God: I'd rather have hope and no fear than have hopelessness and always be broke and fear. I cannot live with fear. Trusting in God and loving Him is awesome!!

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Klas Klättermus
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a christian rule though, not only mormon, but I don't think it is that common that christians pay the churth their full tenth. I do however believe that this used to work like our taxes of today. The church got some good spending money, but they were also responsible to help taking care of poor and sick, like our taxes do for many of us today to some extent

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Thomas Ewing
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Mormon church exists to mock the Bible and other religions. They are very Hell-bound.

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TheAnimalLady
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because they are NOT a real religion, they are a CULT out to gather and subjugate single women. They are very Hell-bound.

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RandomBeing
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uh no. Other people have talked about the other ways this post is wrong so I'll focus on the temple worthiness. It is one of the things that is considered but you can certainly go to the temple even if ur unable to pay tithing.

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Linda McGuigan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To worship your G-d shouldn't cost anything other than a collection at the end of the service if you wish to donate

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Robert Thompson
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

So as gratitude for God doing everything for you, you declare that you don't owe him anything? Is that right?

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CincyReds
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to do loan modifications, and we had to review financials to determine what she could afford, she was literally giving 14% to church, and the she had like 3 payday loans she was paying. I told her to stop giving so much to the church and pay these loans off, she refused. She got denied for the loan mod, because my manager said the same thing. She was afraid she would got to hell if she stopped giving money to the church....

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Salty Wild Hair
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Temples? I tithe 10% now because I can. I have never been refused entrance to my church when I could not.

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Cuervo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Government takes at least 30% of the same little old lady.

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Norart
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So many use this as an excuse. We are all called to give out of the abundance that has been given to us. That doesn't necessarily mean give to a mega church. It means sacrifice some of what you have been given to do good in this world. You can bypass the church and go serve a meal in a shelter as well as buying that meal for the group, or even one person or one loaf of bread. The heart of a giver is an enlightened heart. The world needs more joyful giving.

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Lyone Fein
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The above statement is simply inaccurate. Worshippers donate anonymously via the collection plate in most churches. There is no monetary gate keeping. In fact, a significant percentage of these donations is given to the more needy people in the congregation..... and to others who are in need. Growing up Jewish, my family frequently received boxes of food and items needed for the holidays that were paid for out of the Rabbi's discretionary fund. He also bought us school supplies, and gave us free tuition to the religious school for ten years. As a result, I learned to read and understand biblical Hebrew as a child. This made it much easier for me to get funding for graduate school in my thirties, so I could get my PhD. Yes, there are a few high profile cases of financial abuse in religious institutions. But many people receive food, clothing, and educational assistance and other forms of help from their local houses of worship all around the world.

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miss miss
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Church is very important and not all are like this. Stop hating religion.

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•LeXi•
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You should talk to a pastor or another form of a leader of the church to explain the 10% to God means. Dont be quick to judge or not knowing what your saying before getting all the facts

idan avatar
Chiuki
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm looking at YOU, Joel Osteen and Creflo Dollar! Ya filthy parasites!

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Ivana
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am sorry but no. Organized religion means that you don't have some evangelical wacko telling you to pray the cancer away. Mormons formed a church because they broke away from organized religion. Mormons are what you get when people just make up whatever they want.

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Cati
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The 10% should be given away, not given back to the chuch. That's what I know :)

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Ian Bartels
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The money is used to build and maintain churches and temples. The church also spends millions of dollars every year to help the poor and people who experience natural disasters.

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Marta Ramirez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Religion is the root of all evil, and this one takes rhe cake!!!

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h to da izzle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

not only the mormons do that, i know people that get the 10% directly decuted from their paychecks and the still throw in 50 Euros a week when the collection bags goes round every sunday at the church...

judyrussell57 avatar
Judy Russell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most organized Christian religions expect at least a 10% tithe.

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MarsFKA
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No religion or church that wants your money is worth your time.

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Thomas Turnbull
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Buying Luxery cars for the church and making the sick pay them for scam advice

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Black Karen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once saw a bmw actually rolled into a church as a gift from the congregation to the pastor for his bday. pastor literally said "though shalt not judge"

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bumble bee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least in the Catholic church you do not have to give them money to attend Mass.

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RandomBeing
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don't have to do that in the church of jesus chirst of latter-day saints either. 1. temples and churches are separate. EVERYBODY is allowed to come to church meetings. 2. this post is just wrong

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Scxd Face
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2 years ago

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Scxd Face
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2 years ago

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J. Marie
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow the discrimination in the comments is unbelievable. Do any of you actually know what a scam is? Like all non-profits, religious organizations need to report where their donations go towards and this info needs to be easily accessible by donors/congregants. It's highly illegal if they don't. A scam by definition is where the person giving money is led to believe that it's being used for one thing but in reality is used for something else. Also,before judging what religious leaders, did anyone bother to check to see what the CEOs of other non-profits make? Yes I know that there are churches that don't use their money wisely, but it discrimination to paint all with the same brush.

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Phil Green
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My MiL is a mormon and I think it to be the most contrived, misogynistic, hateful made-up religion on the planet. She is almost 80 and still sends then 10% of her pension. For what, exactly. Her idiot church does nothing to support her.

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Scxd Face
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

actually there are storehouses that you can get food from if you need help and sometimes even financial support. all you MiL needs to do is talk to the bishop or her ward or stake, they can help, let her know

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HooowlAtTheMoon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ex-mormon here, i got payed like 3 dollars every few weeks for chores when i was like 6 and they still made me give them 10% of that (even though it was just 30 cents, I WAS SIX) i hope they feel good about themselves, so desperate for money that they're willing to take money from children :)

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Norah Reilly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's sinful (yes, I said sinful) that religions demand subscriptions in order to be "in with the In Crowd".

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Yara Balabanova
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine if people gave 10% of their money to effective charities instead of church, the world would be a way better place

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He Said She Said
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does ask that the church's members pay 10% of their earnings to the church, and yes, being a full tithe payer is a question that you self-report on when your temple worthiness is being determined. This collected money goes toward the maintenance and construction of church buildings and temples. Our general authorities receive a living wage as they are doing work within the church 24/7, but our local leaders and workers do not. A scam is defined as a dishonest scheme or a fraud. Based on this definition, tithes collected by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are not a scam. May I also call into question those people that call themselves WOKE and are willing to attack churches in a similar way to this? You say that you are open-minded and accepting of everyone and their chosen way of life, but somehow churches and religion aren't allowed into this realm of acceptance? I'm not saying that you have to agree with that religion in any way, I'm just asking that you might give the same courtesy to someone who wants to worship god that you would to someone who wants to be with someone of the same sex.

kyrie24 avatar
ilikeplants
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the point was that your *worthiness* to enter a place of worship shouldn't be based on how much you tithe. (And my addition would be: none of us are worthy no matter how much we tithe. That's the whole point of salvation. We tithe as a response - out of love for God and love for others, not to gain access.)

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Son of Philosoraptor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pity God the Panhandler, Shorn of cash or stock - Reduced to begging for The proceeds of his flock.

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Thomas Sweda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My favorite line from these shysters is, “ Remember, nothing leaves God’s hand, till something leaves your hand.” I watch their TV shows”religiously, “ they’re better than “The Simpsons”, or “Monthy Python”.

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Susan Williams
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most religions are a scam. But, no matter how you word it, those who throng to a church, or sit on the couch to watch the tv churches, will continue to do so until they die....certain that all the $$$ they have sent to these "churches" will have paid their way to "heaven".

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Lin B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

EVERY organized religion asks for a 10% tithe of your GROSS income.

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Religion should be abolished altogether. It's the biggest and most successful scam in human history.

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Blarrg
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do a quick study on historic figures who have tried to ban religion. See if you're comfortable with being in that company.

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Liz the Wanderer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All churches ask for tithes. Religion is the fastest way to buy a ticket to "heaven". The greatest scam on earth.

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Shalini Pabreja
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, why do people in the US put up with this nonsense? If there was a mass boycott (like the one happening in the food industry right now), the companies would have to change their ways!

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Kona Pake
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t think there has been a church that has excommunicated so many other followers as the Mormon church.

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Ian Bartels
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In order to be excommunicated, you have to have been openly teaching against the church, or have committed a very serious crime (usually murder). It is something that is not taken lightly and one past president of the church once talked about the excommunication process and how it's one of his duties that he dreaded doing.

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J. Normal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Remember G*D only counts what is given to your church. You donated 100,000 to a homeless shelter - ok... so where is your tithe to the CHURCH?

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Zedrapazia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like that God was an asshole. "What, you helped homeless heathens to afford a better life, but you don't want to give ME any of my money for more temples? How could you?!" That just sounds extremely arrogant, but that's nothing new for Christianity in my opinion.

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TheDragonPSA
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Their very own book of fables proclaims that the love of money is the root of all evil.

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v
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Organized religion exists for no reasons other than to control the populace and make money while doing so.

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#9

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Tipping.
It's a scam restaurant owners use to keep wages low and profits in their pockets.

epidemica , pxfuel Report

When you’re aware of the tactics scammers use, you’re prepared to shut down their attempts to weasel money or sensitive personal information out of you. However, that just makes the scammers find even more creative, evil ways to bamboozle you and the whole process continues to spiral.

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There’s hardly a greater bunch of experts on scams than the r/Scams subreddit, a community dedicated to fighting back against hustlers and providing info and support to victims. One of the moderators previously gave an interview to Bored Panda about the difference between real-life and online scams, and what you can do to protect yourself.

"I think online shopping scams are different because you lose that layer of dealing with a real-life person. When you have a real person in front of you, a typical person will feel shame or guilt at the thought of taking advantage of a person,” one of the r/Scams mods explained to Bored Panda that interacting with a scammer face-to-face can give away some of their intentions. Things aren’t as clear-cut with the advent of the internet.

#10

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams College in America, it's absolutely absurd that they can hold your transcripts hostage, charge 600 dollars a year for a 'parking pass' require that the first year be spent on campus, rotate out a 500 dollars text book every single semester (that was written by your professor), and basically can find any other way to outrageously over charge students while promoting predatory lending and saying they're "not for profit".

logicalbomb , Charles DeLoye Report

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Mike Crow
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For the USA, if it doesn’t make a profit then it is communism and therefor trampling your freedom (somehow).

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#11

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Cable TV. Either provide it for free, or remove the incessant advertisements. Not okay with the double charge.

-domi- Report

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Simon Clarke
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Totally agree with this one. When I watched a mates sky TV For the first time I couldn't believe that they were adverts in the middle of something he was paying for. Whilst I'm on a rant - in England we used to get football on terrestrial channels which are, except for the BBC's licence fee, free. Then Sky took over and hoodwinked people into thinking that their coverage was sooooo much better. The majority of people fell for the idea and subscribed with the result that we now have to pay an arm and a leg to watch our national game. Same with boxing and cricket. All previously very cheap or free now we have to take out loans to watch it.

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#12

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Engagement rings (specifically diamond ones). Ridiculously expensive pieces of crystallized carbon that are intrinsically worthless.

Patchwork-Rebel , Anna Pou Report

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Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

STOP buying diamonds. You rape the earth and keep the poor poor. Stimpy is right: synthetic diamonds are ok.

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“With the internet, you aren't dealing with a person, but a username and avatar. It is much easier to act maliciously when you don't have a real victim directly in front of you," the redditor pointed out that distance and anonymity don’t work in our favor, but are very useful for scammers.

"Online scams also use a lot of tricks to pressure buyers; low prices, pushes to buy now!, taking advantage of someone's kindness or naivete (re: advance check fraud, money mules, etc), or advertising one product and sending another (or nothing at all, by using a fake tracking number). Getting a person to make a decision via high-pressure tactics and preventing them from reflecting and making a sound decision is key.”

#13

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Any seminar entitled "Secrets to Building Your Wealth" or something in a similar vein. The only secret is that you attending is building some other person's wealth.

cpqarray , M ACCELERATOR Report

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Tenacious Squirrel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They’re usually pyramid schemes. However I’m not sure how often they’re accepted by everyone - I think most people realise (?).

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#14

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Popcorn prices at the cinema

Yehkum , Linus Mimietz Report

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I buy popcorn at our discount cinemas. There's one that does second run films for $2 and another that does movies after the theater runs but before the DVD release for $5. That's less than half the cost of a standard movie ticket. I know the concessions are how they make their money, and I'm okay supporting them that way.

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#15

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Inkjet printer cartridges.

My printer cost a bit less than the replacement cartidges and it came with ink when I bought it.

It would be more cost effective if I bought a new printer every time the ink runs out.

Kahmael , pxhere Report

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Dynein
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's why it makes sense to check the price for cartridges *before* you decide for a printer, so you can buy the one that is the most cost-efficient *including* the future cost of replacement cartridges. The printer ink will still be overpriced, mind you, but a lot of companies try to entice you with a super cheap printer but then make up for the difference and more with every purchase of printer ink. THAT at least is something you can avoid.

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One of the best ways to know whether something’s too good to be true is to rely on your gut, your instincts, that little voice in your head that’s saying there’s really something sus going on here. “If a deal is too good to be true, it is. If you see a pair of brand new Apple AirPods advertised for $50, you are not getting an authentic product. There are many counterfeit items out there on the market, and you need to verify authenticity before hitting buy.”

Buying knockoff and counterfeit products is a horrible idea, not just because of the ethics alone but also because they pose potential risks to your health. In short, be careful what you buy. “These knockoff products do not always go through the same safety standards of the real item; they may not be UL certified, they may use chemicals or ingredients that are not FDA approved and are unsafe for use on or in the human body, or could cause major harm to human life or property,” the r/Scams moderator warned.

#16

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams When a company asks at the register, “Will you round up to the dollar for xyz charity?”

You think you’re being honorable but these companies are just taking your money and representing that THEY are the ones giving it for a tax break. It’s a total scam. If those companies want a tax break they can donate. Screw off. I donate on my own and in my own way.

mathaiser , Kampus Production Report

#17

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Bridal showers. I'm already getting you a wedding gift, but i need to get you something else too, essentially in celebration of the same event? And people who expect gifts at Their engagement parties are really milking it.

doggieravine , JillWellington Report

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PeachPossum
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bridal showers came about in the 19th century to replace the dowry. The original intent was to provide the bride with items for her wedding night and money that would ensure the wedding would take place. That of course was in a day and age when most women did not work. This is yet another tradition that needs to dropped. I suggest unmarried people (men and women both) bring back the "hope chest" or "glory box" that they begin to fill with household items while still in their teens. The items move with them to their first home away from mom and dad.

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#18

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Transaction/processing fees when you order a digital product online. Such as a concert ticket: you pay 16 bucks extra while you pay online, and then have to print the ticket yourself.

All fees are BS and are designed to either hide the price of the original product or are an excuse for a middleman to cash in.

anonymous , Karolina Grabowska Report

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Beeps
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, from a customer’s point of view, this also used to really annoy me, until I started selling goods and services (including digital products) online. In order to do so, I need a business bank account (for which I have to pay a monthly fee, plus additional fees, if I have to pay in a lot of cheques), but most of all, I need another third party that processes the customers’ card payments. This also incurs a monthly fee and in addition to that, a card processing fee that varies in amount depending on which type card they use (debit or credit) each time someone buys something. Plus, each time you pay for something with your card online (ie where you’re not physically present) the processing fee is automatically higher than if you pay in a shop, as the card processing service provider claims that the risk of fraud is higher (and thus the risk that they might have to refund you.)

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One thing that you should definitely consider for the sake of your financial safety is getting a credit card and using that instead of a debit card. “Credit card protections for most cards are much more forgiving than debit cards. You can generally get your money back faster if you were scammed or misled by a business, versus initiating an investigation through your bank. It is always smarter to pay by credit card (and pay off your balance monthly!)."

#19

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Buying college textbooks.

Mandula123 , cottonbro Report

#20

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Apartments charging pet fees but not children fees.

EZE123 , Samson Katt Report

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Kaspar Kristiansen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people are allergic to (some) pet hair, thus more cleaning will be needed, I don't know of any people being allergic to baby hair. Don't think the fee has anything to do with potential mess and noise, because if so I agree that children likely is deserving a higher "fee" :)

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#21

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Psychics.

How do these people live with themselves when they are taking advantage of people in their time of mourning/loss?

It's cheaper to go a therapist

anonymous , Anastasia Shuraeva Report

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#22

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Hotels charging for WiFi. Also flights.

You’re telling me I can get free WiFi from libraries, coffee shops, the dentist, and the bus. But I can’t get WiFi included with this $189/night room? If I spend more than $2 i want free WiFi

boydcrowdersteeths , Brett Jordan Report

#23

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Those "For every share/like this post gets we'll donate £1 to a charity for the Amazon rainforest" posts on Instagram. No way in hell are any of these people donating millions of pounds just because they got a bunch of likes on a post. It's just a very shameful way of getting likes in my opinion and makes people feel very self righteous when they share or like them.

otmh , Brett Jordan Report

#24

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Any kind of over the counter pill, vitamin, cream or personal cleansing product that is usually unisex but claims that this particular one is for men or women only. It's the same razor model but in a different color, Gillette. I'm onto your s**t.

strangelove77 Report

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NsG
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Double check though - some vitamins marketed at women do have a higher proportion of folic acid because that does have more benefit for women (particularly pre-pregnancy). If the two sets of contents are genuinely identical - don't spend more for just the pretty lady on the front.

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#25

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Organic produce.

I grew up on an orchard, so I know that it’s actually pretty easy to follow organic standards. Contrary to popular belief, organic does not mean no sprays, it just means that the sprays you used were on a very long list of approved sprays. (In the US anyway. I can’t speak for other countries)

And then actually being able to use the term organic requires a very expensive certification process.

So all that organic means is that big companies can charge higher prices for their produce.

DootDootBlorp , Markus Spiske Report

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Manndy Fisher
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It always amazed me how organic carrots and non organic cost the same. Either you are scamming me or organic are not organic and the other way around. BTW, I have a local farmer's market where I live and these "organic" products from supermarkets look nothing like a real ones.

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#26

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Priority boarding for airlines. Personally if I paid extra I would want to be the last person on the plane. I sit down, we go. I wouldnt pay extra to make my plane time longer by 30 mins just to have 100 people bump into me as they board.

mr_ribzeater , Markus Winkler Report

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NsG
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some airlines (looking at certain Irish owned ones) used to not allocate seating. Priority boarding means you get your choice of seat and who you sit with. This was often short haul internal flights as well.

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#27

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Shakes and pills for weight loss.

anonymous , Andres Ayrton Report

#28

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Wish.com
Yeah you find something you like for a dollar, BUT it has 7 dollar shipping fee AND it's from China and will take a month to get to you.

bleachedgrahole Report

#29

Autism speaks. The organisation is actually terrible, and views autism as a curable illness and as a burden that must be fixed.

cotton_tale Report

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have seen nothing good about this organisation. I have spoken to a number of autistic adults online after my son was diagnosed. They all hate it. They also have a major problem with this Spectrum10k thing where scientists want DNA from autistic people but have not been clear on why and who will have access. That has been likened to eugenics.

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#30

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams College. Most of he population does not need a degree to work the job they work, but we're told all thier lives that they will never become anything without it. Most of us get fooled into going and spending tens of thousands on a BS piece of paper that in reality contributes nothing to ones ability to do the job they end up doing.

TitsOnAUnicorn , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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Dynein
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish people didn't push so much for higher education for everyone remotely intelligent, and I wish trade jobs weren't marketed as something for the people "too stupid" for higher education. What's people's problem with having intelligent craftsmen? Do you really prefer stupid craftsmen doing work at your house? And on the other side of the coin, a lot of the jobs for which university education is expected don't in fact need to be done by the most intelligent people. Can't we finally accept that intelligent jobs aren't an opposite of manual jobs, but rather are the jobs where independent problem solving is required? It's not the difference between blue collar and white collar and it shouldn't be.

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#31

Payment plans for phones and just paying $1000 for a phone in general.

Triggerhappysmf Report

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#32

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Any company that makes you go to their dealers for repairs, like Apple, just so you have to pay triple the amount. If you had gotten an android and watched a youtube video, you could have fixed the problem yourself in 20 minutes for about 10 bucks.

anonymous , Aaron Yoo Report

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Bart S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So much bs, most of the android devices are not that easy to disassemble when comes to replace damaged screen or battery. If they are screwed in that ok, screwdriver or two will do the job but what about glued in screen?

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#33

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams The shopping channel, they just get some common product, slap a few mouthy salesmen on it with an infomercial and sell it for 10x the price.

They're just screwing over pre internet senior citizens.

Rrraou , HSNtv Report

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Sue Hazlewood
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a 'pre internet senior citizen' and do not watch these appalling channels at all

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#34

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Workout/meal plan apps that you have to pay for. All of their workouts and meal recipes are google'able and extremely generic. There’s no face time between you and the app people so there’s no individuality in it. I don’t get how people fall for it at all

farrahmad , Ketut Subiyanto Report

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Tamsin Far
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people (including me) will more likely stick to something if they have paid for it. Sounds stupid, is stupid, but if it works...

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#35

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams The cost of mobile Data plans.

I'm from Sweden and here I currently pay $15 for 8 GB. I lived in Canada for the winter and they wanted $50 for like 3GB.

soppamootanten , Ketut Subiyanto Report

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Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't easily split out what I pay for data from mine, as it also includes the phone, but I am on unlimited data and unlimited calls. I can even take it roaming for a very small daily fee. The freedom of being able to watch streaming services on the move, or connect my laptop to the internet from practically anywhere without worry about data charges and limits is liberating - previously I had a limit and hardly dared use it for fear of overrunning it.

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#36

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams High School rings. I don’t know why people buy them. What do you use them for?

For those who don’t know what a class ring is, it’s a ring that you can buy when you’re going to graduate. Details vary from ring to ring, but it generally has the school’s logo on it, can be customized a bit, and costs anywhere from $100-$1000 depending on the materials, what school you go to, etc.

Tennisdude111 , slgckgc Report

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Dasha Slepenkina
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Went to high school in the US and remember them trying to get us to buy one... super expensive and SO ugly! The best part is, everyone was trying to convince me I'd regret not getting one... now I never see anyone wearing theirs. If it's something that makes you happy, go for it, but my school pushed these so hard and plenty of people wasted their money on something they never wear.

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#37

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Fruit juice and most breakfast cereals. They're full of sugar and so obviously terrible for your health and teeth, but they also lead to an energy slump that makes late mornings at work unnecessarily irksome.

anonymous , Binyamin Mellish Report

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Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends what cereal you buy. Some contain none at all, some contain a little and some are sugar with a side-helping of actual cereal!

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#38

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Subscriptions like xbox live gold, playstation plus, etcetera...

It feels odd to have to own a console + monitor/tv, buy a game, have an already paid internet subscription and then above that, before you can even play the game (not all of them, it's clearly stated which games you need a subscription for and which not) you need a paid subscription to your console's online service?

They aren't too expensive but it just feels a little odd.. (I do not own any consoles myself nor am I trying to speak bad about console players. It just feels odd to me personally)

ShinyRai , thiago japyassu Report

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Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not always that clear. I've purchased games in good faith and then not been able to play it because it's online only. It's a terrible scam. So infuriating.

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#39

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Pancake mix. You literally only need flour and baking powder plus a bit of salt. That's it. That's all it is. The liquid ingredients (milk, eggs) are still the same. Don't spend your money on boxed pancake mix.

RackhamJack , openfoodfacts Report

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GirlFriday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A box of pancake mix is $1. How are you saving money by buying all of the ingredients separately, especially if you don't bake and don't keep baking ingredients on hand?

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#40

40 Things In Our Daily Lives That Many People Don't Realize Are Scams Credit repair companies.

I used to sell this stuff.

You pay $100 a month to send letters to credit companies to fight the debt. If they don't respond in X days, it goes off your credit. You can also dispute it if a name is barely spelt wrong or an address.

You can do this 100% on your own and there are templates online you can print out.

StarfishStabber , Karolina Grabowska Report

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Eppe
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you can do something yourself, but decide to let someone else do it for you, it's customary to pay that person for their effort. If that's wise when you're already in debt is another matter of course.

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